This scholarship was created in 2010 to honor the late West Liberty economics professor George Polak (1923-1997) and his wife Mildred S. Polak (1928-2010).
George joined West Liberty’s faculty in 1963 and retired in 1989. He earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and his master’s and doctorate degrees from Case Western Reserve University. Mildred was born in Cleveland and graduated from Notre Dame Academy. They were married in 1953 and raised five children.
Along with his work at West Liberty, George was a visiting economics professor at Spring Hill College in Alabama, an adjunct professor at Wheeling Jesuit University and the University of Pittsburgh, and was an associate economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland from 1956 to 1962.
George wrote many research papers and publications while also speaking to civic and religious organizations. Mildred was also active in local organizations, and the two advocated for the importance of education to their children and to all with whom they came in contact with throughout their lives.
Requirements
- Student Enrolled in the College of Business
- Demonstrated academic promise
- Qualify for Financial aid and will be ranked in accordance to the need index established under federal guidelines or other valid method of verification
If you are a prospective or current student interested in applying for this scholarship, please contact the Dean of the Gary E. West College of Business at 304-336-8060.